Superfruit specialist Agrovision has acquired Chilean grower and exporter ZurGroup and launched Agrovision Chile to expand into premium cherry production.
Juan Pablo Spoerer, Director at Agrovision, says this acquisition is “the first major step” in establishing “a 52-week cherry supply strategy,” and that the company intends to plant up to 500 hectares of proprietary cherry varieties in Chile.
“Cherries represent a high-growth category with significant demand in our key markets,” he tells AgFunderNews.
Chile is one of the world’s top cherry-producing regions, and provides “the perfect conditions” for growing Agrovision’s premium cherries.
“Cherries also fit perfectly alongside our other operations, helping us work toward a year-round supply strategy, much like we’ve done with blueberries. This expansion is an exciting step in our mission to bring superfruits to consumers around the globe,” he adds.
A foundation for broader growth
Agrovision, which raised $100 million in August of this year, has been growing, distributing and marketing fruit since its inception in 2012. The company initially started with blueberries from Peru, and has since grown to include raspberries, blackberries, and of course cherries from multiple different areas in Latin America, Asia and the US. It sells these superfruits under its Fruitist and Big Skye brands.
The Los Angeles-based company also uses a mix of proprietary technologies in its operations including purpose-built AI, advanced pollination and genetics. It has substantially invested in these and other technologies, including striking a partnership with Seattle-based RipeLocker to extend the shelf life of berries.
The ZurGroup acquisition comes shortly after Agrivision secured a $400 million credit facility from Rabobank and Banco Santander to support expansion across new markets and fruit categories as well as technological innovations.
With the ZurGroup deal, Agrovision hopes to bring the same expertise to cherries as it has to blueberries in Peru.
While Agrovision has had a presence in Chile for some time, the launch of Agrovision Chile is “our first direct acquisition and a significant milestone in establishing a permanent base in the country with 750 hectares to grow on. It sets the foundation for broader growth, particularly in cherry production,” says Spoerer.
With the ZurGroup acquisition, Agrovision gets access to the company’s existing infrastructure, including packing and processing facilities, and available land for cherry cultivation. The deal also brings 250 hectares of premium blueberries that will complement Agrovision’s production of that fruit in Peru.
“This collaboration not only allows us to tap into ZurGroup’s regional expertise but also strengthens Agrovision’s ability to connect South American-grown superfruits with the high-demand Chinese market,” notes Spoerer.
Integrating regenerative practices into operations
Agrovision says it will incorporate regenerative agriculture practices into its Chile operations, with a special focus on soil health, water conservation and biodiversity.
“These practices will not only help ensure long-term productivity but are also intended to contribute positively to the local environment,” says Spoerer. “Leveraging ZurGroup’s established infrastructure, we aim to set a benchmark for sustainable farming in the region.”
The company said earlier this year that its sustainability strategy followed “a three-pronged model: increasing biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and enhancing the quality of life for local communities.”
